Africa-Press – Rwanda. Equity Bank Rwanda on Friday, October 10, commissioned a new cohort of 72 scholars, top-performing students from the 2024–25 secondary school academic year, marking another step in its mission to nurture the next generation of leaders.
Drawn from districts where the bank operates, the scholars will be deployed across all 36 Equity Bank branches for paid internships that offer hands-on experience, professional exposure, and leadership development.
Each branch will host one girl and one boy, to ensure gender equality and inclusive growth.
Before their deployment, the scholars completed an intensive week-long leadership boot camp designed to enhance confidence, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.
The training covered leadership, financial literacy, innovation, and technology, while mentorship sessions connected them with professionals from politics, finance, and entrepreneurship who shared real-world insights on impactful leadership.
Hannington Namara, Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda, said the programme is driven by the vision of cultivating leaders capable of addressing real-world challenges across all sectors, not only in finance.
“We take the best performers not only from financial courses but from all disciplines because we believe the future belongs to the youth,” Namara said. “The kind of youth we envision are those with values, knowledge, and the ability to seize opportunities to build a better future.”
Hannington Namara, Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda, addresses scholars at the graduation ceremon. Photo by Kellya Keza
He added that the programme was designed to shape leaders who understand development not as a concept, but as a personal and collective responsibility.
“We want leaders who think differently, who embrace technology, value innovation, and understand job creation. We want them to have clarity of purpose and direction after graduation,” he noted.
“We found it essential for Equity Bank to be part of this journey of grooming leaders who understand what development truly means, how to develop themselves, their country, and the continent as a whole.”
Hannington Namara, Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda and Board Member Andrew Rugege at the event
The commissioning event, animated by traditional dances, reflections from alumni, and heartfelt exchanges between outgoing and incoming cohorts alongside institutional staff, signaled the beginning of what was described as a transformative new chapter in the lives of the nurtured leaders.
Eric Shema Ndamage, an aspiring engineer from the 2024 cohort, said the programme has elevated his perspective on professionalism and leadership.
“The programme shapes us into professionals,” he said. “It teaches us how to relate with colleagues, handle clients, and navigate workplaces with emotional intelligence and maturity. It’s not about lectures, it’s about life.”
He added that the experience fosters discipline, time management, confidence, and communication skills. “This environment moulds you to communicate effectively and carry yourself with purpose,” he said, urging new participants to embrace every challenge as a learning opportunity.
Celebrating dreams that refuse to fade
Commissioning the scholars on behalf of the Chairman of Equity Bank Rwanda’s Board, Col. (Rtd) Eugene Haguma, Board Member Andrew Rugege applauded the programme’s vision of turning potential into purpose.
“We celebrate dreams that refuse to fade and potential that continues to shine,” he said. “Each of you represents the very best of what our nation and continent have to offer. The Everyday Leaders Program was built on the belief that every young person, regardless of background, can succeed when given the right opportunity.”
Board Member Andrew Rugege applauded the programme’s vision of turning potential into purpose.
He reminded the scholars that their commissioning marked not an end, but the start of their leadership journey.
“You are stepping into a world that needs your ideas, courage, and compassion. Lead with humility, uphold honesty, and never forget the communities that believed in you,” he said, extending appreciation to parents and guardians for their unwavering support.
Since its inception in Rwanda in 2021, the Equity Leadership Program has supported 246 scholars, part of over 8,800 beneficiaries across Africa since 1998. Many graduates have gone on to study at leading universities worldwide or assume leadership roles in key sectors driving development.
Each branch will host one girl and one boy, to ensure gender equality and inclusive growth.
Among the newest participants is Asma Isaaka, president of the fifth cohort and an aspiring doctor, who shared how the programme has already transformed her outlook.
“The internship excites me because I know I will learn so much. Even after just one week at the boot camp, so much has changed,” she said. “I was inspired by women leaders who spoke honestly about their challenges and resilience. Seeing how they overcame obstacles made me believe I can too.”
Isaaka added that the sessions on financial systems, economic dynamics, and entrepreneurship broadened her perspective.
“All our questions were addressed, and my mind was opened to possibilities I had never considered.”
Peace de Joie Agasaro, another scholar, echoed similar sentiments, saying the programme instills purpose, discipline, and vision through mentorship and practical experience.
“We’re ready to lead, serve, and make a difference,” she said.
Beyond the week-long boot camp and internship placements, Equity Bank continues to support its scholars by fostering strategic connections essential to their growth. The bank links them to university scholarship opportunities, potential employers, and various professional platforms, while also organising networking and engagement events designed to advance their academic and career development.
The scholars will be deployed across all 36 Equity Bank branches for paid internships
Namara revealed that the bank plans to increase the number of participants annually, emphasising that balanced national growth requires investment in all sectors beyond finance.
He underscored the bank’s continued engagement with scholars even after graduation through mentorship, networking, and professional development platforms.
“ELP scholars, you are not only celebrated for your academic excellence but for embarking on a journey of leadership, service, and responsibility,” Namara said. “The path ahead will present challenges, but it will also be filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and make a difference.”
“As you embark on this transformative journey, believe in yourselves. Work hard, stay focused, and guard your values with conviction, they are the compass that will guide you to success. The future is yours to shape.”
Bank officials during the commissioning ceremony in Kigali
Officials join a traditional ballet during the the commissioning event
Officials and scholars pose for a group photo at the commissioning ceremony. All photos by Kellya Keza
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